Page 85 of Slow Burn

“Not in the slightest, but they gave me an A for effort. How was your day?”

He relaxed in the booth. “Good. I always get all of my house chores and laundry done on my second day off shift, so I finished that and started a new book.”

Charlie came back with two waters and two glasses of wine. “Were you ready to order?”

“I’ll have what you suggested, the crab cakes and vegetable medley.” Georgia handed him back her menu.

“I’ll do the same,” Elijah added.

Their server jotted down their order and walked away.

“What book are you reading?” Georgia’s eyes sparkled.

“It’s a military action-thriller by James Patterson, Rocket’s Red Glare. So far, it’s good,” he shared with her. “What are you reading?”

Georgia pouted. “I need to make more time to read for pleasure and not work. Between my job, spending time with friends, and staying up to date on articles in the medical world, I haven’t read in a bit.”

Their food arrived, and they both jumped in to eat.

“What genre do you typically read?” Elijah kept the conversation flowing after he had a few bites. “And the crab cakes are delicious. Good call.”

She used her napkin to wipe away sauce from the side of her lip. “Right? Once Charlie mentioned they were on special, I had to have them. When it comes to books, I’ll read anything. It’s been a couple of months. Maybe I can read your book when you’re done?”

“I should be done in the next few days. How was work for you?”

Whenever she spoke of her job, her love of being a doctor was infectious. “Today was a double-booked kind of day, so I was insanely busy. Most of the appointments were annual exams, so nothing out of the ordinary. Ready for the weekend.”

“What are you doing tomorrow night?” Elijah sipped his wine while waiting for her answer.

Typically, she was quick to respond, but right now she was dragging her feet.

“Remember being anti-label and how we aren’t exclusive?” She peered up at him from under her long eyelashes.

“Yes, I’m aware we decided to take it slow.”

Though, by the guilty look on her face, he wasn’t sure if taking it slow was in his favor.

“Right. Well, my brother said he met someone, another doctor, and wanted to set me up.” Georgia informed him her brother, his best friend, was a complete asshole. Though she had no idea that was the conclusion he just came to.

Elijah wanted to scream.

How was it possible that when he finally found a woman where the idea of commitment didn’t make him spiral, she was going on a date with another man?

This was all his fault.

Fuck taking it slow, but the damage was done.

“Is this okay with you?” Georgia asked softly, her hand covering his from across the table.

He had no right to ask her to cancel, even if he wanted her to. He was living a nightmare with the continuous men getting dates with her. Elijah took a sip of wine, but it didn’t help. Maybe this was good. Perhaps he should see someone else too.

Despite it making his stomach turn.

“Yes, it’s fine. Where are you two going?”

Georgia gave him a pointed look, like she didn’t trust his politically correct response. And she was right. Elijah had ulterior motives.

“We’re going to Vivo Vino, the new restaurant up the street from Lighthouse.”